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Venezuela Mission Trip ReportsSUMMER 2008 MISSION TRIP REPORT
Maracaibo, Venezuela July 19-26
For more information, contact Tom Young.
What a week! A group of North Americans, from three separate locations, traveled to Maracaibo, Venezuela and came together as the church. God had gifted every person in such a way that this band of believers was able to encourage and edify each other for God’s service. Alice Negethon, Jeanne Wilson, Cindy Young, Aaron Young and I from Crest were joined by Cindy’s niece and nephew, Anna and Michael Carswell, from First Evangelical Free Church in Ames. In Miami, we connected with six more from Wedgwood Baptist in Fort Worth, TX. Together, we worked in medical clinics, dental clinics, eye glass clinics, pharmacy, carnival and sports activities for the children, and even “Frisbee evangelism!”
This North American team was able to join Fundabrez, a Christian social medical foundation initiated by Baptists, in serving the needs of those living in significant hardship. The world’s economy is crumbling, but imagine trying to provide for a family in a country with double digit inflation. Imagine the stress of trying to provide food and the basic necessities in an economy with high double digit unemployment. Imagine acute and chronic medical needs that go unmet everyday. These circumstances strike the children in the most severe manner. These are the circumstances that envelop the lives of many of the people in Venezuela.
The people of Fundabrez are dedicated men, women and teenagers, who have responded to the call of Christ to minister, in His name. They lead by example, serving the Lord by serving us. It was most humbling. They believe in trusting God and then they “DO HARD THINGS.”
Gaylon White had organized the Texas team and they were ready to serve with zeal and passion. It was a difficult environment with high heat and humidity, yet, everyone had a smile that reflected the love of Jesus.
In addition to the ministries mentioned above, we were also able to teach people to purify their water, by using chlorine generators manufactured by SWIM for HIM, Safe Water International Ministries of Washington, Iowa. As Venezuelan pastors preach of the True Living Water, the churches can help people with clean and safe drinking water. This is a tremendous tool to spreading the Gospel.
The Lord blessed me further by allowing me to work with two medical students – Cherri Whang from the USA and Ruth, a Venezuelan – as well as a neurobiology student, Raquel, from Venezuela. A vision for an international collaboration of medical students was discussed. Seeds were planted.
We learned of God’s grace during this week. He allowed us to be His hands, arms and feet. By His grace, relationships with the Venezuelan church were strengthened. We saw God at work. We are praying that, as we resume our lives here in the USA, we allow God to expand our vision for the needs and opportunities around us. Join us as we pray for our mission work at home. Pray that you may join us in the Lord’s work abroad.
Missions Report - March 10, 2008
Maracaibo trip-March 1 through March 8, 2008 - by Tom Young
Donald Friesen, Gary Clark and I went to Maracaibo March 1-8, 2008. Don and Gary were working construction in Quisiro, applying mortar to a rough concrete block wall. With the help of several friends from Maracaibo who took turn interpreting for them, they worked alongside Venezuelan laborers. Gary demonstrated water purification units at Quisiro and two other locations. They completed their work early and joined the medical team on the last two days. Donald conducted a small baseball clinic on our last day. They truly endeared themselves to the Venezuelans.
I worked with Fundabrez Medical Clinic, conducting Community Health Evangelism. I also demonstrated a water purification equipment at two churches. I was able to share a message of greeting from Crest Baptist Church Vida Abundancia (Abundant Life Church) pastured by Jose Isea.
While there I was able to assess the progress of their property acquisition and childrens program. Vida Abundancia was able to purchase two properties with the funds we left last November. One is on the left side of the front entrance to the church. The second property is next to the Pastors house, directly behind the church.
The Fundabrez medical clinics are being held, on average, twice a month in a mobile format, while the central clinic in downtown Maracaibo operates daily. I met with Fundabrez staff and Pastoral staff from Iglesia de La Fe, Pueblo Escogido and other local pastors about broader concepts in Community Health Evangelism. This is something that I feel very strongly about. Evangelism and discipleship needs to be all encompassing - that is, directed at the total person and their communities. I have been invited to Cuba for a conference sponsored by both the Cuban Christian Medical society and Lifewinds International Ministry (aka Medical Ambassadors). I would love to go, however, it makes more sense to be a part of sponsoring one or more of the Venezuelans to go. This is in May 08. Conference cost and room and board are about 400.00 USD. This does not include air fare.
I met with two men from La Fe and Iglesia Aqua Vida about micro-enterprise training and using the Chlorine generators as an example. This will be a long process. I spoke with Dr. Mike Drummond and he will be reinforcing this concept as well. Relationships are now developing with the local medical school. I am hoping that future trips will involve training opportunities for Venezuelan Medical students and resident physicians.
I am in the process of visiting with Wedgewood Baptist in Ft Worth. I have spoken with the youth program director at La Fe in Venezuela about the possibility of having our youth (FT Worth, and Crest if any are interested) working with their youth in missions. We are planning a trip to Venezuela July 19-26. If you are interested, please contact me at tpyoung99@aol.com.
Maracaibo, Venezuela Trip Update November 2007
by Tom Young
We were able to instruct two different churches in the use of chlorine generators, to purify the local water. Ken Clark took the lead on this training, using an interpreter. These were portable systems provided through "Safe Water International Ministries for Him." The chlorine generators will greatly expand the Ministry of the church to the community, as well as significantly reducing childhood mortality related to contaminated drinking water. People in the community will actually be coming to the church for the necessary materials to have clean, safe, living water in their homes.
Wayne Hanson was able to connect with several churches and individuals who are interested in pursuing a Celebrate Recovery Ministry in their churches. This was very exciting. They have been praying for someone to provide training for the last 4 months.
Jerry Hartman was able to engage his training as an agronomist as he interacted with a local farmer. He also was challenged to help with training others in some agricultural techniques that will help improve provision for their families. He also helped document the trip with his photography skills.
We met with several churches who were able to outline the needs they had identified in their communities. We had discussions regarding how the local church could become empowered to address their needs, and that they may be a lighthouse in an otherwise dark place. Joe Powers demonstrated his ability to gather information about the needs about us. I thought he was going to come home with an extra child or two.
Pastor Chuck was able to preach at Pastor Javier's church, "Iglesia Bautista. Pueblo Escogido," or Baptist Church: Chosen People. His being in Maracaibo really meant a lot to the local pastors we worked with. Our team of 6 men was also asked to share in song at two of the churches.
One of the purposes in going to Maracaibo was to see where God was at work, and to join Him in it. We were able to lay the ground work for developing a closer relationship with Iglesia de Vida Abundancia. This is a church that is in the midst of rival gangs, drug use, high unemployment and extreme poverty. In spite of this, the church has reached out with a ministry for children and families that reflects the sacrificial love of Jesus. Please continue to pray for the churches that we interacted with. Pray that our own involvement will reap dividends for the Kingdom, for Crest and for the continued growth of God’s work in Venezuela.
It was a real blessing to be with these men in Maracaibo. Each of us left a part of ourselves, part of our hearts, in Venezuela. We were lifted up and encouraged by the faith, of the Venezuelans, in a loving God. We were encouraged by their love for us.
The Lord had gone before us and prepared the way.
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